Generalizing the core design principles for the efficacy of groups

David Sloan Wilson, Elinor Ostrom and Michael E. Cox

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2013, vol. 90, issue S, S21-S32

Abstract: This article generalizes a set of core design principles for the efficacy of groups that was originally derived for groups attempting to manage common-pool resources (CPRs) such as irrigation systems, forests, and fisheries. The dominant way of thinking until recently was that commons situations invariably result in the tragedy of overuse, requiring either privatization (when possible) or top-down regulation. Based on a worldwide database of CPR groups, Ostrom proposed a set of principles that broadly captured the essential aspects of the institutional arrangements that succeeded, as contrasted to groups whose efforts failed. These principles can be generalized in two respects: first, by showing how they follow from foundational evolutionary principles; and second, by showing how they apply to a wider range of groups. The generality of the core design principles enables them to be used as a practical guide for improving the efficacy of many kinds of groups.

Keywords: Elinor Ostrom; Common pool resource groups; Core design principles; Multilevel selection; Biocultural evolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A D H L M Q (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (66)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:90:y:2013:i:s:p:s21-s32

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2012.12.010

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